Find details about the Symposium and Field Visit venues, plus helpful accommodation and activity tips for those visiting Cairns and Far North Queensland.
The Symposium will be held at the James Cook University Nguma-bada campus in Smithfield, nestled between rainforest covered mountains near the northern beaches. Located at 1/14-88 McGregor Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878.
The Field Trial Visit, held the next day, Friday 26 June 2026, will be on Howe Farming avocado farm in Mareeba. Directions and map will be provided at registration.
A range of accommodation options are available near the venue, including hotels, serviced apartments, and budget-friendly stays. Special rates may be available for symposium attendees—details will be provided upon registration.
We recommend booking accommodation in nearby ‘Northern Beaches’ suburbs (e.g. Smithfield to Trinity Beach) or Cairns City. Satellite tourist areas such as Port Douglas and Palm Cove are worth a visit but not within easy commuting distance.
There are direct domestic flights from Australian capital cities and regional centres. Cairns airport is Australia’s seventh busiest for international passengers. Search for flight options or visit the Cairns Airport website for more details.
Cairns Taxis – phone 4048 8333 or 131008
Rideshare – phone 1300 743 374
Uber is available in Cairns
Tropical North Queensland is renowned as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas. The region is a popular destination offering a diverse range of tourism experiences.
Cairns is a vibrant, multicultural city of around 165,000 people, located on a narrow strip between the Great Dividing Range and the Coral Sea. It boasts a relaxed lifestyle, rich cultural experiences, and easy access to some of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders.
The tropical climate features dry, sunny winters (June–August) with temperatures typically ranging from 17°C to 27°C. Perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.
Things to do https://tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/articles/things-to-do-in-cairns/
Conducting research on Enhanced Rock Weathering in Australia?
You are invited to submit your abstract for the Symposium to be held on 25 June 2026 in Cairns.
Abstract submission due by COB 11 February 2026.
On Thursday 25 June, 2026, join experts to explore the latest in enhanced rock weathering. Register your interest to receive registration information and updates for the program and speakers.
On Friday 26 June 2026, the day after the symposium, community members are warmly invited to join the project team at Howe Farming near Mareeba for a guided tour of the Enhanced Rock Weathering monitoring site.
For general enquiries please contact Angela Strain at .
For scientific enquiries please contact Paul Nelson at .
This Enhanced Rock Weathering Symposium and Field Trial Visit are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.
